Geography is so much more than just learning maps and facts it is a subject that combines science and practical applications. Whether studying natural hazards changes in the population or city planning the subject is complex and often requires high level exam answers.
Many students fail to score high marks due to outdated methods of studying – usually through rereading their notes or simply spending hours at their desks trying to memorise what they have learned, but without clear revision strategies. Geography is all about revision, which is both hard work and smart, so here is a look at how students can develop learning habits, improve knowledge and understand Geography better through effective revision techniques like A level geography tuition.
Why Traditional Revision Methods Often Fail
Many students assume that longer revision equals higher marks, but the reality is that passive methods of learning generally do not yield fantastic results.
Passive Learning Reduces Retention
Simply rereading notes highlighting textbooks or skimming over textbook information may seem productive at the time but it is not enough to ensure that knowledge sticks. The brain is essentially tricking itself into believing that it recognises something but you will not be able to pull the information back when it is really needed in an exam!
The nature of Geography demands a higher level of learning as you have to be able to analyze information, compare and contrast different perspectives and case studies are crucial for exams. Active studying builds the skills needed to succeed.
Information Overload
The Geography course covers a wide range of topics from human to physical geography and the amount of information can quickly become overwhelming. A smart method of revising focuses on what the core of each topic involves so that students prioritize what is important and how to use active studying methods rather than trying to memorize everything that they read.
The Importance of Active Learning
The most successful students are those who participate actively when they are studying; there is far greater recall when you are learning in active ways.
Good Active Learning Methods
- practicing exam questions
- explaining your understanding of a concept to yourself or someone else
- creating a mind map or diagram of information
- using flashcards to test your knowledge
Active methods of learning improve memory and recall so that they are there when you need to write them down in an exam. Geography tuition can also help students find the right active learning methods for them, in order to build a more in-depth understanding.
Understanding Geography Instead of Memorising It
It is often seen as the case that an average and a good student can have a different understanding and grasp of what a subject is about; a good Geography student really understands Geography as opposed to just memorizing it.
Geography Requires Analytical Thinking
Geography is so much more than learning facts and definitions: students need to have a grasp of relationships between processes and theories, compare points of view, discuss arguments and provide real-world contexts and scenarios of the Geography topics learned. Taking the example of the topic of climate change, students have to understand causes and effects, management strategies and why the topic is important.
Building Connections Between Topics
A smart revision technique will link topics within the Geography syllabus. This aids an understanding and the students’ capacity to formulate questions in their Geography exams; students receive the most support with these connections from A level geography tuition.
Developing Strong Exam Techniques
It is certainly the case that you cannot succeed in your geography exams without an in-depth knowledge, but exam technique is also extremely important.
Understanding Command Words
Geography exams often contain command words that include “Describe”, “Explain”, “Analyze”, and “Evaluate”, which are vital, and if a student does not quite grasp the specific answer structure, then the knowledge they have learned may as well be worthless.
Structuring Answers Effectively
Good Geography exam answers are usually well structured and easy for an examiner to read and mark; good geography answers would ideally include an introduction to answer a specific question, facts and data to back it up, discussion and consideration of arguments (both sides) and finally a conclusion. Practicing writing questions will build the student’s confidence in writing excellent Geography exams.
The Role of Consistent Revision
It is not about trying to get all the Geography coursework and notes into your head at the last minute! Consistent study throughout the year builds effective knowledge.
Creating a Realistic Revision Plan
A timetable that plans how and when you will study Geography work can be very effective. Make sure that each block of time in the revision schedule involves specific topics and regular review of the syllabus that will test your knowledge.
Using Case Studies Effectively
Geography coursework and exam essays are based on facts and figures which should be backed up with data and statistics.
Focus on Key Information
The information from a geography case study that needs to be recalled is mainly the cause and effect, the management and significance of the topic or situation being studied, rather than endless numbers to remember by heart. A student will only need 3 or 4 simple but effective facts about any case study when it comes to an exam, which they can then expand on with further knowledge.
Building Confidence Through Guidance
Student confidence has a massive effect on exam performance. If a student is unconfident they are likely to struggle during exams even when they are sure of the answers they know.
Personalized Support Makes a Difference
Every student is different they each learn differently and have their own specific weak and strong points. A personalized Geography tutoring service will identify where a student needs to study and why. Geocafe provides tools to help students focus and study Geography more effectively.
Turning Weaknesses into Strengths
Through A level geography tuition students can develop their skills and grow more confident in their studies.
Smart Time Management for Better Results
Students often believe they do not have enough time to complete coursework and study for their geography exams yet this often comes down to poor time management.
Prioritising Important Topics
Some topics will inevitably be harder than others and thus the student needs to analyze these and dedicate more time to each of them.
Avoiding Burnout
If a student studies for too long without any breaks or relaxation and the student is less likely to remember things. Effective and efficient revision is achieved by studying for shorter periods with breaks incorporated.
